Storyline

Just days after his 50th birthday, chemistry teacher Walter White's life of quiet desperation completely transforms when he's diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. To support his pregnant wife and son, he partners with Jesse, a former student, to turn an old RV into a mobile meth lab. But their first attempt at unloading their product takes a deadly turn when Jesse introduces Walt to his unstable business associates. Written by
Anonymous

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Did You Know?

Trivia

When Walt is showing to Jesse the chemistry supplies he stole from the school, he mentions that he's got an "Erlenmeyer flask". This is an inside-joke reference to The X-Files (1993) (which featured an episode titled The X-Files: The Erlenmeyer Flask (1994)). Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, was a writer and producer on several seasons of 'The X-Files'. See more »

Goofs

When Walt and Jesse are in the desert standing in the road after Jesse has come out of the toxic RV, Walt bends over hacking. You can clearly see the outline of his wireless mic system underneath his shirt. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Walter H. White:
My name is Walter Hartwell White. I live at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 87104. To all law enforcement entities, this is not an admission of guilt. I am speaking to my family now.
[covers camera momentarily]
Walter H. White:
Skyler, you are the love of my life, I hope you know that. Walter junior, you're my big man. There are... there are going to be some things, things that you'll come to learn about me in the next few days. I just want you to know that, no matter how it may look...
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

User Reviews

Walter White and Jesse Pinkman are an interesting combination. Bryan Cranston and Aaaron Paul give us a hit of some outstanding chemistry (no pun intended), and this episode was a perfect beginning for one of TV's greatest shows.

Walter White is a 50 year old over-qualified high school chemistry teacher. He discovers one day while working at his second job ( washing cars, embarrassingly), that he has 3rd stage Lung Cancer. He goes on a ride along with his brother Hank, a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent to bust a methamphetamine lab. This is where all the action begins, with the end of the episode being iconic: Walt, in his underwear with a gun pointing at the screen.

How one situation leads to another is incredible in this show. In the opening episode, the set-up for astounding character development is laid: it followed through magnificently in the following seasons.

Bryan Cranston gave an Emmy-winning performance for this episode. His performance was a visceral revelation, and Aaron Paul is outstanding as Jesse Pinkman. This show is one to binge-watch, and due to account of this episode, one to admire forever.

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